(ESTIMATED PUB DATE) JAPAN-USSR: RESPONSE TO SOVIET THREATS

Created: 1/10/1983

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

a

JAPAN-USSR: Resocr.se to Soviet Threats

The Japanese pretest zgainaz 3cvie? statenenzs about the redeployment of intermediateHasHes from Kuroce so Siberia and against Soviet media attacks threatening Japan viz* nuclear destruction for its close ties <JitH the VS vas unusually 3trong.

Tokyo's protest was directed at Foreign Minister Gromyko's recent statement that, in the event of an INF agreement in Europe, the USSR probably would redeploy someissiles to Siberia. The Japanese also rejected recent Soviet media commentary portraying Soviet actionsesponse to Japan's efforts to increase defense capabilities and the decision to station6 fighter planes at Misawa in northeastern Japan.

Comment: Moscow's efforts to influenceopinion may have been counterproductive. officials have toldwere

surprised by the heavyhanded Sovie^attacks on Prime Minister Nakasone's visits to Washington and South Korea. The Japanese media generally have supported theposition and have focused on the issue as an example of the USSR's efforts to deflect attention from its own greatly increased military strength in Hast Asia.

The hostile attitude of the Soviets toward Tokyo's i apparent desire to strengthen Japan's defenses probably S will not be affected by the protest. The tone of Moscow's rhetoric indicates that an early move to improve relations * is unlikely.